孔子家語 – 在厄（節譯）- 芝兰生于深林

孔子家語 – 在厄（節譯）

芝兰生于深林，不以无人而不芳，君子修道立德，不谓穷困而改节。

V1.

Though no admirers, orchids still air fragrance in deep woods,

Though in sorry plight, paragons never stop cultivating virtue.

V2.

Albeit in hermitic woods, still sweet fragrance orchids air,

A paragon, facing plight, his virtue stays stout and square.

V3.

Orchids, though alone in woods, exude fragrance, unasked,

A paragon, though facing plight, his virtue remains steadfast.

V4.

Orchids, though alone in woods, air sweetness as they blow,

A paragon of virtue, though facing plight, will not stoop low.

Tr. Ziyuzile

24/02/2025

May I ask which version you might lean towards ...?